3 ways you’re getting girls in classrooms

Where I live, life is different for boys and girls,” shares 7-year-old Priscilla. “Girls work harder than boys and I feel sad about that.”

In developing countries like Ghana, distribution of domestic labour and opportunities has traditionally been dependent on gender. It’s an unfair balance that can diminish girls’ prospects, making them feel left behind – and boys notice it, too.

“I feel so bad for the girls because their work is tedious,” says Wonder, 13, a local boy.

“Boys normally play, while the girls do the house chores,” adds 14-year-old Confidence. “I feel very sorry for them.”

But now’s the time for change, and thanks to your sponsorship, we’re making it happen with a multi-tiered system of action.

1. Awareness

Through your support we’re initiating activities that communicate the importance of girls’ education and equality. This includes girls’ radio campaigns and celebrations, which involved over 100 girls, more than 40 schools, nearly 40 teachers and 35 government officials and local leaders.

Because of such efforts, parents are changing how they see and treat their daughters and local girls.

“Plan has taught us to give equal opportunities and attention to our children: to put both girls and boys in school. We should not overburden the girls with chores that will be detrimental to their academics; rather provide for their needs so they can stay and complete school successfully. Otherwise, they could get pregnant and drop out.” – Juliet, mother in the community

2. Opportunities

Through your generous sponsorship, we’re not only promoting understanding, we’re providing more chances. To date, we’ve given full school scholarships to over 50 youth in need – including girls like Vera and Delight, two young mothers who had dropped out of school and struggled to get by.

We were told not to give up on our dreams but strive to see them accomplished. My hope of ever continuing with my education was almost lost until this scholarship intervention was introduced in my community. Now I am in school studying, hoping to become a nurse some day. Thanks to Community Sponsorship, my dreams have been kept alive.”- Vera, now a senior high school student

Delight had delivered a baby just after completing junior high school, and was performing odd labour jobs in an attempt to save money for further studies. “It was a very difficult time for me,” she confides.

Delight’s dad, Togbe, is now committed to supporting her education.

Delight’s father, Togbe, found out about the scholarships and – now knowing the importance of his daughter’s schooling – jumped at the chance to sign her up and get involved.

Today, Delight is thrilled to be a student again, and excited for what the future holds.

“Now with this scholarship from community sponsors, I am enrolled in senior high school, pursuing my dreams,” she beams.

3. Ongoing encouragement

After opening doors to get girls back in class, we also want to ensure they’re well-supported to stay there. That’s why we organized special workshops in 8 schools, equipping over 130 student prefects with skills to become effective leaders and play an active role within school management.

Perfect and Raphael are both involved in their school’s Rights of the Child club and shared how this, and other new Community-Sponsorship-funded school initiatives, like girls’-only latrines and co-ed activities, are making a more comfortable, safe and inclusive environment for all students.

Joking about the friendly rivalry in the girls versus boys football matches, Raphael explains that, “sometimes the boys will win,” while Perfect quickly interjects, “but sometimes the girls will beat the boys!” “We really like playing football,” they agree, with shared laughter.

Raphael and Perfect lead a new generation of gender equality.

These two young leaders also both truly value their education – a chance you’ve helped make happen through your sponsorship.

“I have to learn and do well in school so that I will go further and be what I want to be,” vows Perfect, inspired by new opportunities and ready to take charge as a role model for Volta’s girls – and boys!

“I am lucky to go to school, so I can do something in my future for my parents and all the community,” Raphael acknowledges, noting that in order to achieve this, he’ll need to support his female peers, and vice versa. “Sometimes, I’ll go to Perfect so that she can teach me,” he adds with a smile.

About Plan International

Founded in 1937, Plan International is one of the world’s oldest and largest international development agencies, working in partnership with millions of people around the world to end global poverty. Not for profit, independent and inclusive of all faiths and cultures, Plan International strives for a just world that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.